August 11, 2009

Fatal Dog Attack in Leesburg, VA

The dogs, described, as 'pit bull type', belonged to Delaney's brother. According to reports, the dogs were usually outside dogs, however, were found inside the home.

The circumstances surrounding the attack are unknown at this point, however, it is believed that the dogs may have attacked Delaney's mother's dog, a Pug mix, that was found dead inside the home, and it is believed that Delaney may have been trying to protect the smaller dog and gotten in the middle of the dog fight and was fatally mauled.

Of course the Washington Post is running a poll currently asking if people think pit bull type dogs (whatever that is) should be banned. I've never seen that poll when any other breed of dog is involved in an attack.

As rare as it is for dogs to kill humans, it is even more rare for them to kill an adult. So far this year, five of the six fatal attacks (including this one) involved multiple dogs...and this is the first of the six to involve a 'pit bull-type' dog. In 2008, every incident of a fatal attack on an adult (7 total) involved multiple dogs.

Of these 13 total attacks, there have been nine different breeds of dogs involved. So while there are a few people out there continue to try to make this a breed issue (ie, the Post's poll), it is far from it. We must change the conversations away from "breeds" and onto dog behaviors.

My husband and I rescued a 3 mos. old American Bull Terrior from the shelter in February. He goes to doggy daycare once a week for socialization and passed school with flying colors. We let our 1, 2 and 7 year old grand daughters play with him (the two year old is annoyed by the licking but tolerates it). The day care manager told me he has one major problem..."he's just too darn happy!" I don't care what the breed, dogs are not and have never been the problem. People are the problem. A dog raised with love will return it. A dog raised neglectfully or in an atmosphere of violence, will return it. I think people that cannot prove responsible ownership should be banned. I've been bitten twice in my life ~ once by a collie and once by a standard poodle...